As your child's first teacher, explore different activities

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children....

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About this series

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The purpose is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

The Rockford Register Star will celebrate the week with several guest columns on the Opinion pages:

Sunday, April 6: Mealtime fun by Sarah Wolf, Discovery Center Museum

Monday, April 7: Investing in children by Kristen Walley, Rasmussen College.

Tuesday, April 8: Music in early childhood by Juliette Kula, YWCA

Wednesday, April 9: Early interventions by Lynne Riley/Lynn Doolittle, Child and Family Connection

Thursday, April 10: Partnering Success by Lisa Warren, city of Rockford Head Start

Friday, April 11: Thank an early childhood educator by Jeneva Davis, Trinity Daycare

Saturday, April 12: Reducing summer slide by Paul Logli, president/CEO of the United Way of the Rock River Valley

You’re not just the first person that your baby trusts and loves; you are the infant’s first teacher and will continue in that role throughout his or her school years. Once a child enters child care or preschool, it is essential that you and your child’s teachers build a relationship and work together to ensure that your child succeeds.

Young children learn through play, and you are your baby’s first playmate. A simple game of peek-a-boo teaches an infant about object permanence and trust. It will help your baby gain self-confidence when you smile at him when he pulls a blanket off your head or you react to his giggles.

Your preschooler learns to use her imagination, develops language skills and practices taking another’s perspective when she dresses up in a firefighter costume and puts out “fires” with your encouragement.

One of the best things you can do as parents is read to your child. It prepares him for school in many ways. Reading to a child for as little as ten minutes a day helps develop security and independence and helps the child practice using language and learning concepts.

It is important that you advocate for your child. Show up for parent/teacher conferences and make your voice heard when goals are being set for your child at school or in child care. You know your child best and can offer an important perspective that a teacher lacks.

You should also visit the classroom as often as possible. It tells your child and her teacher that you’re interested in what your child does during the day and what she’s learning. Talk to your preschooler about what she did at school and complete any activities that are sent home. This gives the message early to your child and her teacher that you value school.

Take advantage of family events as well. It’s a great time to meet other families, help your child develop social skills and have some fun together.

Parents and teachers working together as partners give children the best opportunities for success. Each brings unique skills and knowledge to the hard work of preparing children for success in school and in life. By keeping communication open, showing one another respect and encouraging children to do their best, parents and teachers can give young children the variety of activities and experiences that will help them learn, grow and prepare for the challenges that they will face in kindergarten and beyond.

Lisa Warren is a child development manager, city of Rockford Head Start